Pacific Gas and Electric Co. announced that water levels for Lake Almanor and Bucks Lake are projected to be higher than normal this summer due to high carryover storage combined with average precipitation and snowpack this season. Rapid spring snowmelt also contributed to reservoir levels rising faster than normal.
The company reported the lake level projections at a recent virtual meeting held to review and discuss PG&E’s planned water operations for Lake Almanor and Bucks Lake for the remainder of the year.
PG&E said it plans its operations to balance recreation, the environment, electric power generation and other needs. With high carryover storage from 2024 plus above-average precipitation and average April 1 snowpack for the northern Sierra Nevada and southern Cascade mountain ranges, Lake Almanor is expected to be about 4 feet above normal this summer.
Total precipitation for the season to date in the Lake Almanor basin is at 130% of average, and the spring runoff is forecast to be 120% of average, reports PG&E. The April 1 North Fork Feather River basin snowpack was 94% of average, but it melted off quickly, leaving the May 1 snowpack at just 53% of average.
Lake Almanor reached top-off over Memorial Day weekend, peaking around 4,492 feet. Based on current data, historical modeling and planned operations, PG&E projects Lake Almanor levels will draw down to between 4,491 and 4,490 feet elevation by July 4, and reach approximately 4,486 feet by Labor Day.
Due to rapid snowmelt in April and May, Bucks Lake reached top-off about a month earlier than normal as well as 2 feet higher than average, similar to 2024. The lake level is expected to be around 5,153 to 5,152 feet through July 4, drawing down to 5,145 to 5,144 feet elevation by Labor Day.
PG&E expects Butt Valley Reservoir to be within its normal operating range this summer.
The 2105 Lake Level Committee meeting’s name refers to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Project No. 2105, which is the license number for PG&E’s Upper North Fork Feather River Hydroelectric Project and includes Lake Almanor.
PG&E encourages the public to take appropriate safety precautions when recreating in and near water:
- Obey all warning signs and restrictive buoys while swimming or boating.
- Use the buddy system: Never fish, swim, boat or raft alone.
- Don’t dive or jump into unfamiliar water. Shallow water or submerged trees or rocks could cause serious injury.
- Swimming in open water is more difficult than in a swimming pool — people tire more quickly and can get into trouble.
- Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them undivided attention. Do not assume that someone is watching them. Appoint a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults.
More water safety tips are available at www.pge.com/watersafety.
PG&E’s hydropower system is built along 16 river basins stretching nearly 500 miles. The system uses water from more than 100 reservoirs, mostly located in higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada. PG&E’s 63 powerhouses produce nearly 3,900 megawatts of power.
